On September 4, 2006 Steve Irwin (aka "The Crocodile Hunter") tragically died when a stingray barb pierced his heart. Steve was very unfortunate since stingray stings are rarely fatal. This article offers tips on how to treat a minor stingray sting when professional medical attention is not possible.




Steps

1. Relax. Despite the tragic death of Steve Irwin, stingray stings are rarely fatal. That said, you should seek professional medical attention if possible. Stingray stings are caused by a sharp barb that transmits a protein-based venom. This venom causes extreme pain that will spike and decrease over the next several hours, and often leave cuts and abrasions at the sting site. The pain is most extreme during the first 30-90 minutes after the sting, spiking on and off during this time as well. It is common for a sting to bleed and swell.
   
   
   • If you experience any nausea, vomiting, muscle cramping or chills, stop reading this article and go to the nearest emergency room immediately, as this could be a sign of an allergic reaction or overdose of venom.
2. Expose the sting by removing any clothing around the affected area.
3. Soak the affected limb in the hottest water tolerable for at least an hour. Because stingray venoms are composed of heat-labile proteins, doing this will alter the tertiary structure of the polypeptide protein molecule by denaturing and thereby deactivating the poison. Ultimately this means that the venom will have less effect. Not only does the hot water help with the venom, but at the same time it will significantly reduce the amount of pain the victim is experiencing. Beach lifeguards sometimes keep buckets of hot water around the station on busy summer days - you could ask to use it. The venom will often become gel or jelly-like and ooze from the open wound--this is desired.
4. Wrap the wound in a makeshift bandage from any available clean, lint-free cloth soaked in hot water once the wound has stopped oozing.
5. Use a topical antibiotic to reduce the chance of infection and relieve pain. If the wound site shows any signs of infection, such as redness, prolonged swelling, or pus, seek medical attention immediately. Topical antibiotics are not a substitute for proper medical attention. Untreated infections can result in loss of limbs or death.

Tips

• Hot water really works. The pain associated with the sting is absolutely excruciating. If you are taking care of someone who just got stung, if it is not already in hot water, stop reading, go soak it in hot water.
• If stung in the hand, make sure and remove any rings so that any swelling will not cause loss of digits.
• Vinegar, urine, orange juice, ki-ora or any other liquid besides almost-scalding hot water will NOT be effective against stingray venom. (Acids may, however, ease jellyfish stings).
• Whenever you swim, especially in tropical waters, always be cautious. Stingrays, sharks, and other dangerous sealife could be around. Also, watch out for people around you that might need help.
• Drag or shuffle your feet when you are walking into the water so that you bump into stingrays instead of stepping on top of them.

Warnings

• If you begin to feel the following: tightness in the chest, swelling anywhere on the face, difficulty breathing, welts (hives) anywhere on your body and nausea you are having an allergic reaction! You will need to get to an ER immediately. Allergic reactions can be minor to severe. So any abnormal reactions (besides occasional itch ,minor swelling at sting site or pain)should be reported to a doctor right away.
• If in doubt, always seek medical attention, especially if the wound becomes inflamed, or infection does not subside within a few days with at-home treatment.
• Individuals with compromised immune systems such as diabetics or those with HIV/AIDS should pursue immediate and aggressive medical treatment.